Monkees songwriter Bobby Hart dies at 86 as band member | Music News

Micky Dolenz, a member of The Monkees, mourned the loss of the band’s songwriter Bobby Hart, stating “another great has gone” Bobby Hart, whose real title was Robert (*86*) Harshman, handed away at the age of 86 on September 10. He was half of the songwriting duo Boyce and Hart, alongside Sidney Thomas “Tommy” Boyce who died in 1994.

This American pair have been famend for penning some of The Monkees’ greatest hits. The news of Hart’s passing was first shared with followers via a post on The Monkees’ Instagram web page.

The caption read: “Very sad news to report: Bobby Hart, the songwriting dynamo who was half of the duo responsible for so many Monkees songs, has died. The post continued: “With associate Tommy Boyce, Bobby penned tracks like ‘I Wanna Be Free,’ ‘Last Train to Clarksville,’ the long-lasting ‘Monkees’ theme, and so many more. ” It also highlighted that Hart wrote the Little Anthony & the Imperials hit “Hurts So Bad.” Meanwhile, an ‘80s rockstar reveals he suffered a stroke in his sleep that left him unable to stroll.

The tribute concluded: “He might be remembered for his unbelievable expertise and his innate spirituality.”

A quote attributed to Hart was also included, where the songwriter expressed it was “attention-grabbing and gratifying” to witness the enduring success of The Monkees. “They’ll have a life of their own that’ll most likely far outlast mine,” Hart had previously stated. Dolenz, a legend from The Monkees, also wrote a heartfelt tribute to his friend and collaborator.He penned: “Another great is gone.

Bobby Hart, who along with Tommy Boyce, wrote and produced some of The Monkees’ best hits not only made a vital contribution to the favored success of The Monkees, but even more importantly to the essence, the very spirit of the whole enterprise. “”His expertise, charisma, good humor and calmness in the face of what at occasions was nothing less than a maniacal curler coaster journey often introduced a sense of peace that heartened everybody around him. 

“He was the stillness that is the eye of the hurricane. Rest in peace, Bobby,” Dolenz concluded.

Fans rushed to the remark part to specific their condolences, with one writing: “So so sorry for your loss.” Another commented: “How sad. I absolutely adored DJBH and would pour over the album liner notes. I am truly sorry for your loss. Your tribute is beautiful. Very sad news.”

“A gifted songwriter and key member of the team that helped the Monkees to soar,” a third fan famous. While another added: “I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight is a classic. RIP.”

Boyce and Hart penned songs for Chubby Checker and scored their first major hit with “Come a Little Bit Closer,” carried out by Jay and the Americans.

The songwriting duo also made appearances on reveals like The Flying Nun and I Dream of Jeannie.

They later hit the highway with Dolenz and Davy Jones for a while. The foursome, who called themselves Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart, even did a TV particular and an album, but they never fairly reached the same stage of fame as The Monkees.